Trump Is Wrong About Apple

It disappoints me to see how so many politicians can be so wrong on technology. I was enjoying Trump’s presidential campaign until recently. He’s been fighting with so many people that it’s getting hard to keep track. Sure, it’s natural that he fights with someone like Ted Cruz or Jeb Bush. That’s normal for a political campaign. Go ahead, sue Ted Cruz because he’s born in Canada. Someone should test what “natural born citizen” means. Sure, you can disagree with Bush on the Iraq war. That’s American. But Apple?! Why are you fighting with them Donald Trump?

I understand that the South Carolina primary is tomorrow. It’s a stressful situation for politicians. Tensions are high for everyone. Some misspoken words have been said. There’s obviously been a need to dial back the campaign rhetoric. As an example, that war of words between the Pope and Trump was cringeworthy. I’m glad to see that both sides eased up after the initial statements.

But with Apple vs the FBI, when a matter of global security is on the line, Apple cannot back down. Rather, Apple is defending the rights of citizens. It’s not just American citizens – but citizens around the world.

Trump is a huge… YUGE… supporter of the second amendment. I think a “National Right To Carry” is a good idea. Why should someone be arrested for trying to protect themselves, just because they crossed a state line? The old battle cry rings true. “When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns.” It sucks that so many people die from gun violence or gun accidents, but banning all the guns is not the answer. The founders of the country knew that the second amendment was important to preserving liberty.

In the technological era, war has a new frontline – it’s drawn at the computer you used to access this text. Someone, from anywhere the world, can severely ruin your life. They only need to exploit weaknesses in the system.

The FBI is not asking for a simple key to a door. They’re asking to create a backdoor to every iPhone. Here’s an excerpt from an official statement from Tim Cook…

Specifically, the FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on an iPhone recovered during the investigation. In the wrong hands, this software — which does not exist today — would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone’s physical possession.

Apple should not be boycotted. They should be supported. (Marc Cuban basically gave apple a standing ovation.) Politicians should look at encryption the way they look at second amendment rights. Encryption is necessary for all because the alternative is far too terrible.